By Scout Nelson
School of Natural Resources professors often find their research brought to life in Room 321, where Ian Ratcliffe applies 20 years of experience in remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) to manage, analyze, and visualize data.
Ratcliffe has used ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online to create websites such as Historical Nebraska with interactive maps and to develop tools for the National Drought Mitigation Center website. He also applies Python to automate mapping functions and uses Environment Visualizing Images software in remote sensing work. Recently, he has employed ArcGIS Online and Google Earth Engine to assist professors Daniel Uden and Andy Little in tracking ringneck pheasant populations in Nebraska.
Ratcliffe said his favorite parts of his job are working with spatial data, creating maps, and solving data challenges.
“For the drought center, usually, I'll get a request of, can we do something, or is this possible? And then I will try and figure out how to make it work,” Ratcliffe said. “Those types of challenges make the job interesting and satisfying.”
Currently, Ratcliffe works half-time with the National Drought Mitigation Center and Kelly Smith, the assistant director, and half-time on the ringneck pheasant project. His supervisor, Brian Wardlow, director of the Center for Advanced Land Management Information Technologies, noted Ratcliffe’s versatility in providing technical support, application development, and training for GIS and remote sensing.
Wardlow said, “A notable strength of Ian's is his ability to effectively communicate and understand the geospatial needs of a project and deliver timely and quality results. He also has a unique set of technical skills in both remote sensing and GIS, which are areas that many people specialize in one or the other.”
Ratcliffe serves as the state coordinator for NebraskaView, supporting remote sensing research and education. He began at the university as a geography student intern at CALMIT and continued while earning his master’s degree. He emphasizes the value of dedicated staff for timely, efficient, and knowledgeable project support.
“I like to complete tasks in a timely manner,” Ratcliffe said. “I understand professors sometimes have time-sensitive projects or tasks, and I take pride in getting things done when they’re needed.”
Ratcliffe sees potential for GIS and remote sensing in wildlife projects.
“I have a lot of experience working with spatial data,” Ratcliffe said. “I have a good view of what’s possible and believe any projects with a spatial aspect could benefit from these types of data visualization applications. I would be happy to discuss with or provide a demonstration application for anyone interested.”
Photo Credit: pexels-flo-dnd
Categories: Nebraska, Education, Equipment & Machinery, Weather